Light Your Kitchen Up

Light is an important factor in kitchen design, but it’s not always the obvious thing to consider. When you’re thinking about kitchen refurbishment the things that often spring to mind are decisions about layout, flooring, storage, and cupboard and drawer fronts. The lighting situation can be taken for granted, but we know it shouldn’t be. We’re going to shed some light on the matter.

Modern kitchens aren’t just a place to cook, they’ve evolved into being so much more. What this means is that lighting needs to be appropriate for each area of use, one size does not fit all when it comes to lighting needs.

Task lighting is what you need to make sure that you can prepare food and cook. Under cabinet lights or pendant lights over an island will make sure that will see every ingredient and implement clearly. And there is of course a safety element – if you’re wielding a sharp knife, you want to see that you’re chopping the carrots and not your fingers! Consideration should also be given to the positioning of lights in the ceiling; too close and wall units will obscure it, too far and you will block the light as you’re working.

Sustainability is a buzzword at the moment, and at Greenwood Kitchens sustainability is a core value for us, and for every kitchen that we install we plant a tree. We also consider the carbon footprint of the install itself and the products we use. LED lights are the superheroes of the lighting work when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint – they last longer, use less energy and come in various shapes and sizes. They can be used for overhead ceiling lights, under cabinet lighting and inserted into the plinths below the cabinet. If you have a smart system you can also control them remotely.

LED lightbulbs come in a whole spectrum of whites, which means there is something to suit every kitchen need. A neutral white light is suitable for task lighting, whereas a warm white is more suited to a cosy dining area and a cool white enhances a modern kitchen design.

There are some simple tricks and interior design ideas that can also help you have a light, bright kitchen by maximising any available light:

· Ensure that windows aren’t blocked – keep the windowsills clear and curtains or blinds out of the way when they are open.

· Installing mirrors is a great way to maximise light in any room as it reflects light back into the room. Any reflective surface will add to this effect whether it’sa mirrored fruit bowl or a shiny glass splashback.

· Whites and neutral colours for the fittings and the decoration will keep the room bright. Splashes of colour or a bolder coloured feature will stop the room feeling bland.

This might seem like a lot to think about on top of all the other kitchen design decisions you need to make, but don’t worry! We can guide you, recommend the best lighting solutions and know what will work in your kitchen. Contact us now to discuss your kitchen project.